b. July 26, 1925, Estevan, SK; d. May 5, 2000, Victoria BC

1943 BA (University of Saskatchewan)
1948 MA (University of Saskatchewan)
1949 BLS (University of Toronto)

RCAF, Pilot Officer (Navigation)

1949–1952 Bookmobile Librarian, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland, Ohio
1952–1955 Coordinator of Reference services, Cuyahoga County Public library, Cleveland, Ohio
1955–1957 Canadiana Librarian, University of Saskatchewan
1957–1960 Assistant Librarian, University of Saskatchewan
1960–1988 Victoria College and University of Victoria Librarian, University of Victoria, BC

1965–1966 President, BC Library Association
1967–1968 President, Canadian Association of College and University Libraries
1971–1972 President, Canadian Library Association
1980–1983 Director, American Library Association
1985–1988 Director, American Library Association

1977 Received the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal
1988 Honorary Graduate Award by the UVIC graduating Class of 1988

Dean was active in community affairs, notably the United Way of Greater Victoria. He was a Director for the period 1978-1987 and served as President from 1985 to 1986. An active golfer, Dean belonged to the Uplands Golf Club, serving as a Director from 1978-1981. An avid traveler, one of Dean's last major trips was to China.

On Dean's arrival as Librarian of Victoria College on July 1, 1960, the library had a staff of thirteen and contained 60,000 volumes. Dean's academic acument and foresight saw the collection and staff reach levels of “approximately 130 and a collection approaching 1.5 million volumes.” Dean formulated and oversaw “the library building which opened in 1964, and then tripled in size in1973.” Prior to his retirement, Dean laid the foundations of library automation for his successor, Marnie Swanson.

Canadian Who's Who. Halliwell. Dean Wright. 2001. Vol . XXXVI, p.550.
The Ring. Dean “Halliwell named 1988 honory graduate”, May 26, 1988.
The Ring. In Memoriam, July 14, 2000.
Times-Colonist. “Halliwell looks back on long career,” June 30, 1988.